Leighton Meester Talks 'Lucky' 20-Year Legacy of 'Gossip Girl,' What It Still Means Today (Exclusive)
Actress and singer Leighton Meester has many exciting projects currently in the works, from her recent appearance in Nobody Wants Thisto her upcoming rom-com alongside Jared Padalecki, Guarding Stars. However, the star also took some time to reflect on both her recent milestone birthday and the 20th anniversary of her hit show Gossip Girl in 2027.
“I was very young when I started and even when I finished that show,” Meester said. “In many ways, I feel like it continues to have a life, which is really lucky because a lot of the time you do a show and you never really hear about it again, no matter how amazing you feel it was or how wonderful the experience was.”
Meester continued, “People who weren’t even born yet when it came out [now] watching it...it must seem so retro to them. But yeah, it was a huge part of my early 20s, and when I really think about those memories, I’m like, yeah, that seems like about 20 years ago, which is amazing to be privileged enough to reflect on something that happened 20 years ago.”
“I think it’s very comforting for people,” she added.
Of her ongoing career, Meester said, “I’m so grateful to still be working, and being able to express myself in my line of work is just so incredibly lucky.”
On April 9, Meester also celebrated her 40th birthday, which likewise gave her time to reflect-although she is also looking ahead, particularly thinking about learning to golf.
“I really want to take up golf, so I think I’m going to maybe do a lesson or go with some friends and play a game. I don’t, obviously, really know how to play, but I’m interested in that,” Meester explained of her birthday plans. “Being 40, it’s a good, solid number. I feel gorgeous and vibrant and strong and healthy and grateful and surrounded by love.”
“I just reject the notion in our culture that’s impressed upon us that an age is part of someone’s value. It has nothing to do with it. I think every human being is valuable, and my goal in life, if I can influence it at all, which, the truth is, I have no control. But, if I can control anything, I would love to be old. I want to live a really long time, if I can,” Meester said of aging.
“It’s coming for us all, if we’re lucky,” she said.
Meester has also partnered with Godiva once again, this time in celebration of the chocolatier’s 100th anniversary.
“I’m a huge chocolate lover, and also, even growing up, I was a fan of Godiva. I always got it as my Christmas gift under the tree. And a box of chocolates, it really just fills my heart and makes me feel happy. I’m really so proud and honored to be working with Godiva. I think it’s the best,” Meester said of the partnership.
The collaboration includes Meester narrating a 2D animated film, depicting vignettes of celebrations of which Godiva has been a part. For it, Meester reprised her role as Lady Godiva.
To celebrate their 100th anniversary, Godiva has released a limited-time Centennial Collection, comprising an assortment of 10 chocolates that reflect the brand’s history.
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